Tuesday, August 19, 2008

For those of you following (or occasionally browsing) this blog, I think you should expect about one post a week from here on out, unless there is something critical or wonderful to share that just can’t wait a whole seven days.

Here’s the news for week 6 of Bri’s life:

1) We have officially gotten 3 separate ostomy bags to adhere to her tummy for 72-hours each!

Above: Bri's bag after almost 72-hours. If you can believe it, we had just emptied this one. They get pretty grungy. After 72-hours we change the dressing no matter what because some toxic waste will have begun to creep under her wafer and hang out on her skin.

Below: Bri's bag after a fresh dressing change.

2) Bridgette grew two inches and put on about another pound this week, topping off at 9 lbs. 15 oz. this morning. What a ziggy baby.

3) We have almost finished reading the entire A.A. Milne series together during feedings. “Winnie-the-Pooh,” “The House at Pooh Corner,” and “When We Were Very Young” are behind us, and we just moved on today to “Now We Are Six.”

4) Baby is learning to smile at us a bit more. It’s still not a consistent reaction, but it’s lovely when it happens.

5) Bri may have had her first small tummy bug yesterday. It’s hard to tell due to her ileostomy, but her poo was extremely watery, and she also vomited. She had a harder time urinating too, her diapers being mostly dry. We’re keeping an eye on things since dehydration will always be a major concern, even on healthy days. She already seems better today though.

6) Bridgette sometimes laughs in her sleep. This is hilarious and dang cute.

7) I’ve decided to try to finish the second year of my graduate degree, taking babs with me to classes. School starts in two weeks (yikes!) and if it doesn’t work, I will defer until who-knows-when. Although the prospect of being both mom and student terrifies me, I don’t suppose it will get any easier to finish later.

8) I got a clean bill of health at my 6 week postpartum doctor's appointment today. Yippee! I can exercise again for the first time in a year! (Except that my ACL is still torn, so I'm relegated to cycling, swimming, and weights.)

Wow, Kel- I just browsed through your blog- I had NO idea the crazy journey your little family has been on the last 6 weeks. I'm so happy things are looking up and that completing the MPH program with the cohort is a possibility- you are such an integral part of us! Love you!

We received Bri's birth announcement today and have enjoyed your blog. She is a beautiful little girl and we are so glad that things are starting to look up for her! We will keep her in our prayers. Love, Scott and Kelley Grandy and family